For all you 243 and up Encore shooters a Technique question

[nofun1]

I have a 25-06 Prohunter and I have been working up a load I finally have everything dialed in, Heres the thing if I try to shoot it off a bag and rest I cant seem to get consistent groups out of it. If I shoot out of a cradle or lead sled or something it shoots 1/2" at 200 yards consistantly I dont have this problem with any bolt guns just the Encore. I have had my best reults putting a death grip on the forend. but one out of three is a big flyer. Its clearly a technique problem of mine but what can I do? if I use a fairly loose hold the muzzle really seems to flip. pulling down so hard on a forend thats screwed to the barrel cant be good for accuarcy. anytips from you med to large caliber Encore shooters would be appreciated. 

[southernutah]

might try a bipod hooked to the slling swivel. I added a second sling stud just for the bipod. Rest stays the same every time.

[sk330lc]

 "Rest stays the same every time."     Thats saying alot.   

[Grumulkin]

What has worked for me with every thing from 223 Remington to 300 Winchester Magnum is forearm resting on a bag lightly.  Buttstock also resting on a bag and against my shoulder.  I squeeze the rear bag to make fine adjustments in aiming.  The technique is really the same for every other rifle I shoot except...

When I had an Encore 375 H&H Magnum barrel, I used a Lead Sled since the gun was really pounding me.  Oh, and keep your eye away from the scope unless you want to go to the ER for stitches.

[mnshortdraw]

Practice practice practice...  They can get jumpy on you but the more you shoot, the more you find what works best for you.  My 300WM almost gets me when shooting prone or on the bench, but I have shot it enough to know that it won't if I do the same every time. 

[Hopalong7]

Ditto to what Grumulkin said.  My off hand does not touch the rifle...only the sand bag under the butt stock.  I always get better groups with the front bag back against the trigger guard.  I've tried the bi-pod off the bench a good deal and it is consistant, but if I do my part correctly, the sand bags produce considerably tighter groups.  I shoot my TC's more off the bench in hand-gun configuration than I do as a rifle and basically the same holds true there as well.  I rest the forearm on a bag JUST in front of the trigger guard and rest my wrists on the rear bag holding the grip in my hands OFF the bench in mid air just in front of the bag.  I think it's equally productive to keep the butt stock of the rifle off the bench and on the bag and shoulder.
GOOD SHOOTIN', Walt 

[shotgun31]

I've done a bit of shooting with the Encore, 6.5-06, 17 Hornet and muzzleloader and get my best results using a 6-9" bipod from the bench and prone position, and a 23" or 25" bipod from the sitting position.   Whatever you do, practice hunting positions and use that same set-up while hunting, or you'll wound/loose game for sure!

The Encore is not as forgiving as many other rifles, but you need to learn to shoot it.  Not better nor worse.  Just different and needs to be mastered.  Superb accuracy when mastered.       
Shotgun